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Sacred Spaces Become Exceptional Getaways

These 5 former monasteries and convents are now home to some of the most beautiful luxury hotels in the world.

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Perched on a rocky promontory above the Ionian Sea, San Domenico Palace, in Taormina, invites guests to experience the charm of a reimagined 14th-century Sicilian convent. Courtesy of San Domenico Palace, a Four Seasons Hotel.

There's something magical about staying somewhere with a story to tell. These five former monasteries and convents—some dating back to the 13th century—offer exactly that: a chance to experience history while indulging in all the trappings of modern luxury. What makes these conversions special is how they honor their religious past while embracing their new purpose. Original architecture remains intact, centuries-old artwork still adorns the walls, and peaceful gardens continue to flourish. Yet within these historic structures, you'll now find world-class spas, exceptional restaurants, and elegantly appointed rooms.

For travelers seeking more than just another luxury stay, these reimagined sacred spaces offer something truly different: a connection to the past combined with all the comforts of today's finest accommodations. They prove that giving new purpose to historic buildings doesn't diminish their character—it adds another fascinating chapter to their ongoing story.

Once a revered monastery, Botanic Sanctuary now offers a magnificent haven to you a 5-star superior destination for luxurious tranquillity. Courtesy of Botanic Sanctuary.

Botanic Sanctuary: Antwerp, Belgium

The Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp represents a masterful transformation of a 13th-century monastery into one of Europe's most distinctive luxury hotels. The property's monastic origins remain visible throughout, with former monastery kitchens transformed into elegant dining spaces and the 19th-century pharmacy reimagined as a modern apothecary. The hotel stands as Belgium's culinary crown jewel, boasting an unprecedented four Michelin stars.

San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel is a unique hotel, with terraces overlooking Mount Etna and the Bay of Taormina. Courtesy of San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel.

San Domenico Palace, A Four Seasons Hotel: Taormina, Italy

Famous for being the setting of the second season of the White Lotus, this iconic property seamlessly blends two distinct architectural treasures: the Ancient Convent Wing, constructed on the foundations of a 14th-century religious sanctuary, and the Grand Hotel Wing, an elegant Liberty-style addition from 1896. With meticulously preserved frescoes and authentic convent artifacts, guests can experience a unique atmosphere where the spiritual past and present-day perfectly coexist.

In a converted 15th-century convent on 8 hectares of gardens, this upscale hotel is right in the outskirts from the center of Evora. Courtesy of Convento do Espinheiro.

Convento do Espinheiro: Évora, Portugal

Just outside Lisbon, a 15th-century sanctuary of spirituality has been reborn as a temple to tranquility. Convento do Espinheiro carefully preserves its monastic soul—evident in the centuries-old frescoes and faithful architectural restoration—while embracing its new calling as a luxury retreat. With over 20 acres of meticulously tended gardens and vineyards, this historic property invites guests to find contemplation in unexpected places: perhaps during a vineyard stroll, or maybe beneath vaulted ceilings now sheltering spa treatment rooms.

This former monastery dated from 1592, offers luxurious colonial-style accommodations set around a courtyard right in the heart of Cusco. Courtesy of Monasterio, A Belmond Hotel: Cusco, Peru.

Monasterio, A Belmond Hotel: Cusco, Peru

This converted monastery—now a protected national monument—offers a sensory immersion into Cusco's soul. The hotel's architectural crown jewel is its courtyard, where a 300-year-old cedar tree stands over its jaw dropping gardens. Beyond its walls lie the beautiful colonial buildings and pre-Columbian ruins of Cusco, while traditional markets operate in the shadow of contemporary galleries.

Nestled in Old Town Nice, Hôtel Du Couvent shines with its historic charm and prime location. Courtesy of Hôtel Du Couvent.

Hôtel du Couvent: Nice, France

This 17th-century sanctuary has a remarkable story. Built by Clarisses nuns in 1604 and later home to Visitandines until the 1980s, this convent has been meticulously transformed while honoring its soul. The decade-long restoration preserved original elements—lime whitewash, stone, tiles, and wood—under Perseus founder Valéry Grégo's guidance, with Studio Mumbai, Studio Méditerranée, and Festen Architecture collaborating to keep its authentic character. Today, guests can enjoy its farm to table dining, their Mediterranean-style rooms, the exclusive Roman baths, and over 2.5 acres of private garden.

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